A carpet cleaning business costs $5,000 to $50,000 to start. Solo operators earn $50,000 to $80,000 per year. Owners with teams and commercial contracts can earn $150,000 or more.
This guide covers equipment, pricing, certifications, and marketing for your carpet cleaning business.
What Is a Carpet Cleaning Business?
A carpet cleaning business removes dirt and stains from carpets. You serve homeowners, offices, and commercial buildings. Most jobs use hot water and cleaning solutions.
Carpet cleaners work on-site at client locations. You bring your equipment in a van or truck. Jobs take one to four hours depending on the size.
Services include deep cleaning, stain removal, and odor treatment. Some cleaners also offer upholstery and tile cleaning.
Why Is Carpet Cleaning a Profitable Business?
Carpet cleaning has strong demand all year. Homes and offices need regular cleaning to stay fresh. Most clients book service every 6 to 12 months.
Profit margins range from 30 to 50 percent. Your main costs are cleaning solutions and fuel. Equipment lasts many years with proper care.
Key Reasons Carpet Cleaning Pays Well
- Low overhead — no office or storefront needed
- Repeat clients — carpets need cleaning again and again
- High hourly rate — most jobs pay $100 to $300 per visit
- Easy to add services — upholstery, tile, and area rugs boost revenue
- Commercial contracts — offices and buildings pay for monthly service
What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business?
Your equipment is your biggest investment. There are two main options for carpet cleaning machines.
Portable extractors are cheaper and easier to transport. Truck-mounted systems clean faster and deeper.
Portable Extractors
Portable units cost $1,500 to $5,000. They roll on wheels and fit in any vehicle. They work well for small homes and apartments.
They are the best choice for new business owners. You can upgrade to a truck mount later as you grow.
Truck-Mounted Systems
Truck mounts cost $15,000 to $40,000. They mount inside your van or truck. They provide stronger suction and hotter water.
Truck mounts clean faster and leave carpets drier. Most established carpet cleaners use this type.
Equipment Cost Table
| Equipment | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portable extractor | $1,500 – $5,000 | Best for beginners |
| Truck-mounted system | $15,000 – $40,000 | Faster, more powerful |
| Carpet wand | $100 – $400 | Stainless steel recommended |
| Hoses (vacuum and solution) | $150 – $500 | Get 50 to 100 feet |
| Sprayer (pre-treatment) | $50 – $200 | Pump or electric |
| Cleaning chemicals (starter kit) | $200 – $500 | Pre-spray, rinse, spotter |
| Air movers and fans | $100 – $300 | Speeds up drying time |
| Work van or truck | $5,000 – $25,000 | Used vans save money |
Buy used equipment to cut costs in half. Many retiring cleaners sell full setups at a discount. Check online marketplaces for deals.
How Do You Get Certified for Carpet Cleaning?
The International Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the top organization. They set the standards for the carpet cleaning industry.
IICRC Certification
The IICRC offers training classes and exams. The most common course is Carpet Cleaning Technician. It covers cleaning methods, chemicals, and fiber types.
The course costs $300 to $600. It takes two to three days to complete. You earn a certificate after passing the exam.
Do You Need Certification?
No law requires carpet cleaning certification. But it builds trust with clients. Many commercial clients only hire certified cleaners.
Certification also helps you avoid damage. You learn which methods work on each carpet type.
Other Training Options
- Equipment maker training — many brands offer free classes when you buy their machines
- Online courses — video training programs cover the basics at low cost
- Hands-on apprenticeship — work with an experienced cleaner for a few weeks
- Trade shows — attend industry events for live demos and workshops
How Do You Price Carpet Cleaning Services?
Pricing depends on your market and method. Most cleaners use one of three pricing models. Pick the one that fits your area best.
Per Room Pricing
This is the most common method for homes. Clients find it simple and easy to understand. Charge $25 to $75 per room depending on your area.
Per Square Foot Pricing
This method works well for large spaces. It is common in commercial carpet cleaning. Charge $0.15 to $0.40 per square foot.
Per Area Pricing
Some cleaners use flat rates for common areas. A hallway might cost $20. A staircase might cost $3 to $5 per step.
Carpet Cleaning Pricing Table
| Service | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Per room | $25 – $75 | Residential homes |
| Per square foot | $0.15 – $0.40 | Commercial buildings |
| Whole house (3 bedrooms) | $150 – $300 | Package deals |
| Stain treatment (per spot) | $10 – $40 | Add-on service |
| Staircase | $3 – $5 per step | Add-on service |
| Hallway | $15 – $25 | Add-on service |
| Scotchgard protectant | $0.10 – $0.25 per square foot | Upsell service |
Check what other carpet cleaners charge in your area. Price too low and clients may doubt your quality. Use our price calculator to find the sweet spot.
How Do You Find Carpet Cleaning Clients?
Finding your first clients is the hardest part. Once you build a base, referrals do most of the work. Here are the best places to find clients.
Residential Clients
- Friends and family — offer discounted cleaning to get started
- Neighborhood groups — post in local social media groups
- Door hangers and flyers — target homes in higher-income areas
- Google Business profile — show up when people search near you
- Online reviews — ask every client for a review
Commercial Clients
- Office buildings — contact property managers directly
- Real estate agents — they need cleaning before home showings
- Property management companies — they manage many rental units
- Restaurants and retail stores — they need regular carpet care
- Churches and schools — large spaces with heavy foot traffic
Build Referral Partnerships
Connect with other service providers in your area. General cleaning companies, plumbers, and handymen meet your ideal clients. Offer them a referral fee for every job they send you.
What Are the Different Carpet Cleaning Methods?
There are four main methods for cleaning carpets. Each one works best in certain situations. Most cleaners offer at least two methods.
Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning)
This is the most popular method. Hot water and cleaning solution are sprayed deep into the carpet. Then a powerful vacuum pulls out the water and dirt.
It provides the deepest clean. Most carpet makers recommend this method. Drying time is 6 to 12 hours.
Dry Cleaning (Very Low Moisture)
A dry compound is spread over the carpet. The compound absorbs dirt from the fibers. Then you vacuum up the compound.
Carpets dry in about one hour. This method works well for offices that cannot close for long.
Encapsulation
A special chemical surrounds dirt particles. The chemical dries into crystals. You vacuum up the crystals and the dirt comes with them.
Drying time is about two hours. This method uses less water than steam cleaning.
Bonnet Cleaning
A rotating pad scrubs the carpet surface. The pad absorbs dirt from the top fibers. This method cleans the surface but not deep down.
It works well for quick touch-ups. Hotels often use bonnet cleaning between deep cleans.
How Do You Market Your Carpet Cleaning Business?
Good marketing brings a steady flow of new clients. Focus on local marketing methods that reach people near you.
Create a Google Business Profile
This is the single most important step. A free Google Business profile shows your business in local search results. Add photos, services, and hours.
Ask every happy client to leave a Google review. More reviews means higher ranking in search results.
Build a Simple Website
Your website should list your services and prices. Include before-and-after photos of your work. Make it easy for visitors to call or book online.
Use Social Media
Post before-and-after photos on Facebook and Instagram. Join local community groups and answer cleaning questions. This builds trust and brings leads.
Use Yard Signs and Vehicle Wraps
Put a sign in the yard while you work. Neighbors see it and ask about your service. A vehicle wrap turns your van into a moving ad.
Offer Seasonal Promotions
Run spring cleaning deals in March and April. Offer holiday prep specials in November. Slow months need bigger discounts to keep work flowing.
Want more marketing ideas? Read our full guide on how to market a cleaning business. It covers online and offline strategies in detail.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?
New carpet cleaners make the same mistakes over and over. Avoid these to save time and money.
Pricing Too Low
Low prices attract bargain hunters, not loyal clients. They also leave no room for profit. Charge what your service is worth.
Skipping Insurance
One damaged carpet can cost thousands. General liability insurance protects your business. It costs $30 to $60 per month for most cleaners.
Not Testing Chemicals First
Always test cleaning products in a hidden spot. Some chemicals damage certain fibers. A small test prevents a costly mistake.
Ignoring Commercial Clients
Offices and buildings provide steady, repeat income. One commercial contract can replace many small jobs. Reach out to property managers early.
Not Getting Reviews
Reviews are your best marketing tool. Ask every client for one. Most happy clients leave a review if you ask right after the job.
Doing Everything Yourself
Track your clients and jobs with software from the start. Manual tracking leads to missed appointments. Cleaning business software keeps everything organized.
Need help with the basics? Read our complete guide on how to start a cleaning business. It covers licenses, insurance, and everything else you need.